Karnataka Forest Dept Restricts Treks, Safaris for Tiger Census; Travelers Advised Caution

• Karnataka Forest Department has temporarily closed trekking routes and safari zones across the state.
• The closures are due to a massive tiger estimation exercise, a multi-year operation to count big cats and assess their habitats.
• Public access is restricted to prevent disturbance to animal behavior, interference with data collection, and ensure visitor safety.
• Popular destinations in the Western Ghats, Bandipur, and Nagarhole are affected by these restrictions.
• Travelers are advised to check with local forest offices or official websites before planning trips to avoid inconvenience.

Why It Matters: Karnataka forests are temporarily closed for tiger census, impacting treks and safaris; check before you travel.